A device is disclosed for training pilots by simulating the operation of gauges in aircraft. The self-contained device can be installed into training aircraft to be used during instruction. Alternatively, the device can be used during classroom and ground school training. A switch box control panel simulates the controls and indicators of aircraft. A logic circuit and program simulate normal operations and common malfunctions of aircraft. During malfunctions the program and circuit will evaluate the pilot's corrective control input, continuing the malfunction if the pilot's response is incorrect. The device's ability to accept inputs and to emulate characteristics of specific aircraft increases the realism of the simulation and training.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A gauge simulator for use in conjunction with pilot training comprising: a housing, a plurality of electrically controlled gauges mounted to said housing, each said gauge having a variable display value corresponding to an aircraft condition; a processor contained in said housing, said processor having outputs electrically connected to said gauges for controlling the display value of each said gauge, said processor being programmed to simulate gauge display values corresponding to predefined malfunctions of an aircraft; and means mounted to said housing and electrically connected to said processor for varying the time duration from initiation of a simulation and before initiation of the simulated malfunction.
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said gauges simulates oil pressure.
3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said gauges simulates oil temperature.
4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said gauges simulates fuel tank level.
5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said gauges simulates battery voltage.
6. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said gauges simulates battery amperage.
7. The invention as defined in claim 1 and comprising an input switch for preselecting one of said predefined malfunctions.
8. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said processor comprises a microprocessor.
9. The invention of claim 4 wherein two of said gauges simulate fuel tank levels.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
May 9, 2002
May 17, 2005
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.